Jasprit Bumrah set to lead India against England in Rohit Sharma’s absence

Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will be leading India in the rescheduled fifth Test match against England after Rohit Sharma failed to clear the COVID-19 test on Thursday. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed as Bumrah’s deputy.

This is also going to be Bumrah’s first match as captain at any level of cricket. He is also going to become the first fast bowler to lead India since Kapil Dev, who last led India during an ODI game against England in November 1987.

Bumrah will take over in this series from Virat Kohli, who led India in the four matches last year and took India to a 2-1 lead in the series. The last match was postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak within the player camps and that match is going to be played now, with Bumrah leading in it.

The pacer attended a press conference on the eve of the Test match in Edgbaston and he couldn’t hide his excitement there.

“This is a big achievement, a big honour. For me, playing a Test match was a dream and getting such an opportunity is probably one of the biggest achievements of my career. I am very happy that I have been given this opportunity,” Bumrah said.

Head coach Rahul Dravid informed Bumrah that he will be leading the side only on Thursday morning, after Rohit failed to clear the Covid test.

“We were waiting for an announcement because we were waiting for Rohit’s confirmation. We did a test today (Thursday) morning as well so he tested positive in that test. Then, there was a discussion with the coach [Dravid] and he announced that I will be leading the side.”

Bumrah also said that he informed his family about the news as soon as he was made aware of it and all of them were very happy. He was also asked about how things are going to change for him with this added responsibility and he said, “Nothing changes for me, you have to do the job. You can hold the team by doing the job to the best of your abilities. That is what I am also looking to do. We’ve got a very good team, we have got a lot of experience, we have got a lot of people who are there to help me out as well. I am just looking forward to help the team in the best capacity I can and understand how the game is heading and try to contribute to the best of my ability.”

Rohit’s absence is going to be a big loss for India, though. He had proven himself as one of their best batters in the last few overseas tours. The batting stalwarts was also India’s highest scorer in the four matches of this series. He amassed 368 runs at an average of 52.57. However, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli will be looking to step up in his absence.

As far as things for Bumrah go, he has already been the leader of India’s bowling unit for quite a long time. Now he just needs to step up into a superior role. The nature of the job remains the same for him and he should be able to adapt to ot quite well.